The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) recently decided to separate the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science programme into four distinct specialisations: Artificial Intelligence, Network & Cloud Computing, Software & Web Development, and Cybersecurity & Data Protection. The National Information Technology Development Agency applauded this decision.
A statement on Sunday, 15th January 2024 signed by the NITDA Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar, said that this visionary move is not just a game-changer in Nigeria’s IT sector; it represents a seismic shift in equipping Nigerian graduates with in-demand skills crucial for navigating the digital revolution. This development positions polytechnics at the centre of nurturing young Nigerians capable of tackling specific challenges and capitalising on the vast opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
Furthermore, NITDA sees this as a critical step towards advancing the expansion of the IT industry and raising the level of proficiency among the labour force in the country. It bridges skills gaps discovered during our IT Skills Gap Assessment, undertaken in cooperation with CC Hub, which indicated 12 IT skills in high demand both in Nigeria and abroad.
NITDA acknowledges that the future of Nigeria’s IT industry will be greatly influenced by the enormous potential of Artificial Intelligence, Network and Cloud Computing, Software and Web Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection. For this reason, it created the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) as special-purpose organisations to develop talent and provide interns and NYSC members with the necessary training to succeed in their digital endeavours.
To ensure the successful implementation of these specialised domains, regulatory organisations, industry players, and educational institutions must work together, as stressed by NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.
The National Board for Technical Education has the vision and dedication to further technical education in Nigeria, and for that NITDA is grateful. It pushes for a paradigm change in teaching methods, asking organisations to proactively include digital literacy components in their curricula.
Adopting the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), in the opinion of the Agency, would be a revolutionary step in guaranteeing that Nigeria’s educational system stays at the forefront of technological innovation and gives students the skills necessary for success in the contemporary world.
To foster an atmosphere where Nigerian IT workers can prosper and significantly impact the global digital economy, NITDA looks forward to ongoing engagement.
